Continue expanding your French vocabulary with these 20 essential verbs. These verbs will help you express complex ideas, describe actions precisely, and communicate more effectively in everyday situations.
Action
to try
(Regular -er verb, also spelled essaie-)
Example / ExempleJe vais essayer la nouvelle recette.
I’m going to try the new recipe.
Mental
to forget
(Regular -er verb)
Example / ExempleNe m’oublie pas !
Don’t forget me!
Reflexive
to sit down
(Reflexive, irregular – je m’assieds)
Example / ExempleVous pouvez vous asseoir ici.
You can sit down here.
Action
to arrive
(Regular -er verb)
Example / ExempleLe train arrive à 18h.
The train arrives at 6pm.
Action
to enter
(Regular -er verb)
Example / ExempleVous pouvez entrer.
You can enter.
Action
to leave (a place)
(Regular -er verb)
Example / ExempleJe dois quitter la maison.
I have to leave the house.
Action
to meet
(Regular -er verb)
Example / ExempleJ’ai rencontré mon ami au café.
I met my friend at the café.
Mental
to hope
(Regular -er verb with accent changes)
Example / ExempleJ’espère que tu vas bien.
I hope you’re well.
Reflexive
to wake up
(Reflexive verb – je me réveille)
Example / ExempleJe me réveille tôt le matin.
I wake up early in the morning.
Action
to bring
(Regular -er verb)
Example / ExemplePeux-tu apporter du pain ?
Can you bring some bread?
Action
to wash
(Regular -er verb)
Example / ExempleJe dois laver la voiture.
I have to wash the car.
Action
to push
(Regular -er verb)
Example / ExempleIl faut pousser la porte.
You have to push the door.
Action
to pull
(Regular -er verb)
Example / ExempleTu dois tirer fort.
You have to pull hard.
Action
to touch
(Regular -er verb)
Example / ExempleNe touche pas à ça !
Don’t touch that!
Mental
to regret
(Regular -er verb)
Example / ExempleJe regrette mon choix.
I regret my choice.
Action
to sing
(Regular -er verb)
Example / ExempleElle chante très bien.
She sings very well.
Reflexive
to take care of
(Reflexive verb – je m’occupe)
Example / ExempleJe m’occupe des enfants.
I take care of the children.
Action
to hide
(Regular -er verb)
Example / ExempleLe chat se cache sous le lit.
The cat hides under the bed.
Action
to fly / to steal
(Regular -er verb, two meanings)
Example / ExempleL’oiseau vole dans le ciel.
The bird flies in the sky.
Action
to keep
(Regular -er verb)
Example / ExempleTu peux garder ce livre.
You can keep this book.
Verbs Included (61-80):
Essayer
Oublier
S’asseoir
Arriver
Entrer
Quitter
Rencontrer
Espérer
Se réveiller
Apporter
Laver
Pousser
Tirer
Toucher
Regretter
Chanter
S’occuper
Cacher
Voler
Garder
Learning Tips for French Verbs
Maximize your learning with these effective strategies for mastering French verbs:
Create Verb Groups
Group verbs by conjugation patterns (-er, -ir, -re) and by meaning (movement, communication, daily activities). This helps with memorization.
Practice with Sentences
Don’t just memorize verbs in isolation. Create sentences using each verb in different tenses to understand its usage context.
Learn Common Irregulars
Focus on the most frequently used irregular verbs first (être, avoir, aller, faire, prendre). These form the foundation of French communication.
